The first-ever Russia–Pakistan Eurasian Forum 2025 convened in Moscow, organised by Pakistani and Russian academic and research institutions with support from both governments to strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation across Eurasia.
Senator Mushahid Hussain said the focus on non-traditional security challenges, people-to-people connectivity and academic exchange can underpin economic stability and mutual trust between Islamabad and Moscow. He argued that cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, energy and education will create practical pathways for partnership as global power shifts from West to East and Eurasia emerges as the new centre of gravity for the rising Global South.
Mushahid announced the establishment of the Eurasian Connectivity Forum as an institutional foundation for Eurasian multilateralism, emphasising that connectivity must cover commerce, culture and media-driven people-to-people links. He underlined the role of media, academia and think tanks as key players in the new forum and identified counter-terrorism, commerce and culture, education and energy as core pillars of the Eurasian Connectivity initiative.
The senator also called for an annual Pakistan–Russia Strategic Dialogue led by opinion makers and business leaders, saying there was no fundamental conflict of interests between the two countries. He noted Pakistan’s balanced stance on Ukraine and Russia’s neutral position during episodes of Indian aggression against Pakistan as evidence of converging interests, with both sides opposing any return to a New Cold War. Mushahid urged both governments to seize the moment to expand cooperation in trade, energy, security and academic exchange for Pakistan’s strategic benefit.
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, alongside Russian scholars, diplomats and international relations experts, participated in the forum, signalling official and scholarly momentum behind the new Eurasian Connectivity platform.
